The Rockies on Tuesday announced the 24 non-roster players receiving invitations to this year’s major-league spring training camp. Nick Groke has the details.

There are some intriguing names on the list.

Start with hard-throwing right-handed reliever John Axford. The former Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians closer can earn a $2.6 million base salary if he makes the major-league roster, and he can make an additional $1.5 million in incentives. The Rockies could really use him in their bullpen. He strikes out plenty of hitters, but he’s also been walking too many.

Top prospect Jon Gray gets his second invite to camp. The big right-hander’s mission this spring is to hone his talents and show more consistency. Can he make the 25-man roster out of camp? It’s possible, but I wouldn’t bet on it. I would expect him to make his major-league debut this season. We’ll see.

Rockies prospect Tyler Anderson was shut down after three innings Wednesday night because of elbow soreness. (MiLB.com)

The Double-A Tulsa Drillers’ 5-2 victory over Midland in Game 2 of the Texas League Championship Series Wednesday night was a good-news, bad-news affair.

The good: Catcher Chris O’Dowd (son of Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd) went 2-for-3 with three RBIs. Also, the Drillers’ bullpen pitched well to preserve the victory.

The bad: Lefty Tyler Anderson, one of the Rockies’ top prospects and the Texas League pitcher of the year, left the game after pitching only three innings because of a left elbow soreness. I’ve been told that the move was made as a precaution and that the organization is keeping close tabs on Anderson, the Rockies’ first-round pick out of Oregon in the 2011 draft.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado broke his finger while sliding into second base during a May 23 game in Atlanta. (Scott Cunningham, Getty Images)

COLORADO SPRINGS — The good news for Rockies fans is that through three Triple-A rehab games, Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado has shown no signs of lingering issues with the left middle finger he broke sliding into second base May 23 at Atlanta. The only hint you might have that he was injured at all is the bright protective brace he wears over his left hand when he gets on base.

The bad news, though, is that he looks like a guy who hasn’t played since May 23.

Arenado, who hit .305 with six home runs in 49 games for the Rockies before his stint on the disabled list, went 1-for-5 with a single and a strikeout for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox Monday night. He’s just 1-for-9 in his past two rehab games after going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in his first game with the club Saturday. Read more…

SCOTTSDALE — Christian Friedrich lasted just five outs, and struggled with his delivery in the stretch Monday. But following his spring debut, he was like a kid finding a bike under the Christmas Tree. Twenty months after injuring his back in the big leagues, Friedrich returned.

“I told myself to have fun. No matter the results, I was going to enjoy this,” Friedrich said. “It was so special to be back out there. It’s been a long time.”

Everything about them is different. Eddie Butler is wiry 180 pounds, with a quick smile and lively quote. Jon Gray is a horse, weighing 235 pounds. He’s more reserved, opening up only as trust is gained.

Yet everything about them is similar. They are the Rockies’ top two pitching prospects. They have reached 100 miles per hour on the radar gun, Butler in the first and final game last season. Gray isn’t sure if he topped it last year in the minors — he likely did — but knows he pulled it off against Kansas and Virginia Tech in his junior year at Oklahoma.

On the first day of the Rockies’ full-squad workouts, he was the lucky (unlucky?) rookie chosen to stand up and address his teammates. The barbs and embarrassing questions (not suitable for a family newspaper blog) came at him like 98 mph fastballs and goofy knuckleballs.

Murphy got a little red-faced, but handle himself well.

The two big-name prospects in camp are pitchers Eddie Butler and Jonathan Gray, both of whom have a shot to pitch for the big-league club at some point this season. But Murphy, a third-round draft choice in 2012, is drawing raves from the organization.

Catcher Tom Murphy is a rising star in the Rockies organization, starting in low-A Asheville last season and finishing at Double-a Tulsa. (Photo by MiLB.com)

“He’s one of those kids who gets it,” assistant general manager Bill Geivett said. “We like his talent, and we like his attitude and how he handles himself.”

Murphy, who played at the University of Buffalo, began last season with low-A Asheville and then jumped to Double-A Tulsa late in the season. He hit .288 with 19 homers in 288 at-bats at Asheville and .290 with three homers in 69 at-bats at Tulsa. He drew rave reviews for his ability to handle pitching staffs and call games.

“It was a good experience,” he said. “I had a couple of months where I rode the wave and was kind of down a little bit. That’s something that good players don’t really do — go up and down — so I was a little disappointed by that. The best players don’t get too high and don’t get too low, and that’s where I want to be.”

Murphy takes pride in his abilities to call games.

“Yeah, I think pride is the right word,” he said. “I like to take pride in my knowledge of the game and knowing what hitters’ tendencies are.”

Murphy has been catching since his first days as a little league.

“I like it,” he said. “You are always involved in the game and I was a hype kid, so it was a good fit.”

There is no timetable for his rise to the majors, though a September call-up is a possibility.

“All of that is out of my control,” he said. “I just have to do what I’m supposed to do and the rest of that stuff will take care of itself.”

Former Oklahoma star Jonathan Gray, drafted by the Rockies at No. 3 overall last year, received invite to big league camp. (Bill Feig, The Associated Press)

The Rockies enjoyed an active offseason, adding $33 million in contracts with reinforcements at first base, rotation and the bullpen. Players already in the organization, however, could play just as an important role in shaping a season that the Rockies hope sends them back the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Pitchers Jonathan Gray and Eddie Butler represent the future. By any measure, they are among the top 50 prospects in baseball, and top 20 when discussing Gray’s potential. They own the ability to front a rotation if they continue on their current trajectory. Their path to the big leagues was accelerated last summer, and they will continue on the fast track this spring.

Former Oklahoma star Jonathan Gray, drafted by the Rockies at No. 3, is considered one of baseball’s top prospects. (Bill Feig, The Associated Press)

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The upside to down years is the draft. And the Rockies, according to ESPN’s Keith Law, have made the right choices with recent high picks.

He ranked four of the organization’s players in his top 100. The list: last year’s top choice, Jonathan Gray (12), Eddie Butler (17), David Dahl (47) and Rosell Herrera (54).

I am knee deep in Super Bowl coverage, and will try to expand more on this. But here’s a quick take:

Gray’s improved changeup should accelerate his path to bigs. Butler profiles for Coors Field with a power arm, terrific slider and fascinating changeup (Google his pitches at Futures Game last year). Dahl missed most of last year w gruesome hamstring injury following a brief suspension for missing a team flight. He will likely start year in Class-A ball at Asheville and is currently in the Dominican Republic working out with prospects like Peter Tago, Will Swanner, Ryan Warner, Ryan McMahon and Jordan Patterson. Dahl, an athletic outfielder with good speed, should rebound if he’s healthy. Herrera has shown impressive power for a middle infielder. I don’t see his future at shortstop, but the Rockies haven’t had a longterm solution at second base. He could be in the mix for that job down the road.

It won’t be long before the Rockies begin spring training. Pitchers and catchers report to Salt River Fields on Feb. 15. Bench coach Tom Runnells will be among those throwing BP to the pitchers and position players, who report on Feb. 21 with their first workout on Feb. 23. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post)

The Rockies are in a different position this winter. Most of their offseason goals have been addressed, leaving them seeking depth on low-risk deals over the next six weeks.

To that end, right-hander Richard Castillo has agreed in principle on a minor-league deal with a contract likely official soon. Castillo, 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, is a former Cardinals prospect. The 24-year-old went 7-9 with 4.59 ERA in 21 starts for Double-A Springfield last season, and 1-2 with a 1.93 ERA with Triple-A Memphis, both Cardinals’ farm teams.

He’s expected to provide depth in spring training and at Triple-A. The Rockies’ first four rotation spots appear set — Jorge De La Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin, Brett Anderson, Tyler Chatwood — with Juan Nicasio, Franklin Morales and Jordan Lyles vying for the final slot.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Not sure about the Happiest Place on Earth, but the Disney Dolphin Resort will be the busiest this week. The major league baseball winter meetings began on Monday, the lobby clustered with reporters, agents and executives.

In a change of pace, the Rockies are expected to be active this week, searching for a bullpen arm, a starter and bench help. Colorado has talked to nearly every hard-throwing, free-agent reliever. Joaquin Benoit and Grant Balfour are the most coveted by the Rockies, but the price tag will likely preclude a Rockies’ bid. Benoit is seeking in excess of Joe Smith’s $15-million contract with the Angels, and Balfour could get $24 million over three years if the market falls correctly for him.

Colorado Rockies retired player Eric Young (right) Dallas Young 6-years-old and Eric Young Jr. pose for a photo after throwing out the first pitch prior to their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks last season (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

The Rockies’ coaching vacancies were filled Tuesday, featuring a blast from the past and an out-of-the-batter’s-box choice.

Eric Young Sr., who hit the first home run at Mile High Stadium, one of the most memorable in Rockies’ history, returns to the Rockies as their first base and base running coach. Blake Doyle takes over as the hitting instructor despite having no professional coaching experience.

Young has remained friends with Rockies manager Walt Weiss since the pair played together in the mid 1990s. Young worked two years as the Diamondbacks first base coach and spent last year as a pregame and postgame TV analyst for the Astros. He made the all-star team in 1996 for the Rockies, stealing 53 bases. He swiped 465 bases in his 15-year big league career.

The Rockies drafted left-hander Tyler Matzek straight out of high school in 2009. (Denver Post file)

Tyler Matzek’s baseball road has been mighty bumpy, but the Rockies are still hopeful that he’ll eventually produce as a big-league pitcher.

That’s why the left-handed prospect was one of seven minor-league players added to the Rockies’ 40-man roster on Monday. Had the Rockies not done so, Matzek would have been exposed in the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 12 at the end of the winter meetings.

The other players added to the 40-man roster are: left-handed pitchers Jayson Aquino and Kraig Sitton; right-handed pitcher Raul Fernandez, infielder Rosell Herrera and outfielders Kent Matthes and Kyle Parker. The Rockies now have 39 players on the 40-man roster.

Ryan Spilborghs spent six seasons as an outfielder with the Colorado Rockies, becoming a fan favorite for his walk-up music (“Sweet Escape”), myriad of mustaches, car commercials and his big hits (like the unforgettable grand slam against the Giants). Spilborghs hit .272 with 42 home runs and .345 on-base percentage in 619 games with the Rockies.

So that culture shock I mentioned, I noticed it right after I got off the plane in Denver. In Japan, it’s almost comical how good customer service is. Every store you walk into the workers scream “Irashaimase” (Welcome). They are always smiling and bowing to you. Go into any restaurant, fast food or fancy, and you can expect the same service. Japanese people take pride in their job no matter what they are doing. You can see it. It’s easier to just watch than to explain it. You spend time in Japan and the difference is like night and day.

Ryan Spilborghs enjoyed an unforgettable night watching sumo wrestling in Japan. He left impressed with their size and agility. (Courtesy of Ryan Spilborghs)

We in the United States aren’t quite like that. In fact upon returning, I laugh because I found myself almost bowing to people and being overly nice in thanking and talking to people, even though my actions aren’t reciprocated. If there is any one thing I wish I could change about the states it is this: The “Golden Rule”, remember it? To treat everyone with great respect no matter who or what they do, to put the extra effort into making sure you say “Hello”, “Thank You”, and “You’re Welcome.” In the states you only expect great customer service if you pay extra for it, i.e.. a fancy restaurant, hotel, car, etc.

Ryan Spilborghs spent six seasons as an outfielder with the Colorado Rockies, becoming a fan favorite for his walk-up music (“Sweet Escape”), myriad of mustaches, car commercials and his big hits (like the unforgettable grand slam against the Giants). Spilborghs hit .272 with 42 home runs and .345 on-base percentage in 619 games with the Rockies.

Ryan Spilborghs provides final snap shots of Japan before returning to Denver. (Courtesy of Ryan Spilborghs).

Spilly’s log, star date October 6, 2013, I’ve recently completed my journey to an unknown territory, the area was highly dense with a very friendly and busy people. They observed me with quiet, but watchful eyes, and once they understood my true motives embraced me and helped me acclimate to their culture and lifestyles. I admire the people immensely and take home with me a greater view of this world we share, as well as philosophies that I believe will help me be a better person, worker, and plan to apply their influences in my daily life. Sayonara Japan! Yoroshiku onegashimas! (Literally can use this phrase for so much, “Be Kind to me” “I am in your debt”, “I’m counting on you”, “Please take care of me”, “Nice to meet you”)

Reliever Manuel Corpas was removed from the Rockies’ 40-man roster, but hopes to re-sign with the team as a free agent. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post)

Manuel Corpas, who provided serviceable innings at times for a depleted bullpen last season, was taken off the 40-man roster this week as the Rockies look to create room for prospects, according to a major league source.

Pitchers Jeff Manship and former prospect Edwar Cabrera, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury, were also outrighted off the 40-man. The Rangers, who have executives that were with the Rockies when he was signed, claimed Cabrera. Manship cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A.

Corpas, who makes his offseason home in Denver, hopes to return to the Rockies. He can be re-signed as a free agent at a lower cost than he would have earned in the arbitration process. Corpas, who turns 31 in December, went 1-2 with a 4.54 in 31 games.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said there was never a time during his first season when he didn’t want to return for a second year. He will be back with his next contract expected to get ironed out soon. (Denver Post file photo)

Rockies manager Walt Weiss doesn’t have a new contract. Not yet anyway. Owner Dick Monfort is expected to meet with members of the front office and Weiss beginning Wednesday at the club’s spring training headquarters in Scottsdale.

Jhoulys Chacin can appreciate history. The Rockies have had plenty of pitchers who can swing the bat. But those who hit home runs is a fairly select group, all things considered. Mike Hampton was the most prolific. Jason Hammel ended the pitchers’ drought with a shot in Milwaukee a few years back (The players put a spoof ball in his locker, congratulating Cole Hamels for his home run and World Series performance). Kevin Millwood delivered some shots. And Alex White was the last to pull it off last September in San Diego.

Rockies right fielder Michael Cuddyer, a former all star with the Twins, will have familiar opponents when the Rockies face the American League Central opponents in 2014. (Getty Images)

The Rockies’ 2014 schedule is highlighted by games against the American League Central and an appearance by the Rangers May 5-6.

Colorado will begin the season on the road at Miami in a four-game series before returning for the home opener on April 4 against the Diamondbacks at 2:10 p.m. The White Sox follow on April 7-9 at Coors Field.

The Rangers (May 5-6), Twins (July 11-13) and Royals (August 19-20) will all visit Coors Field in 2014. The Rockies interleague play includes road series at Texas (May 7-8) at Kansas City (May 13-14) at Cleveland (May 30-June 1) and at Detroit Tigers (August 1-3).

Two-time all-star Carlos Gonzalez connects for a home run against the Yankees earlier this season. He’d love to swing like that again, but his injured finger won’t allow it. (Justin Edmonds, Getty Images)

Carlos Gonzalez’s right middle finger remains swollen, leaving him frustrated and unable to swing a bat. He had hoped to take bp on Wednesday, but the pain prevented it. It raises the question of how much longer the Rockies will allow CarGo to go day-to-day with this injury before electing to shut him down.

He’s available to play defense and run.

“I couldn’t swing. It’s tough. Really tough,” Gonzalez said. “I want to play, but every time I swing and miss, it goes right back to where it was (on July 7).”

Because of the expanded rosters, the Rockies have the luxury of waiting to see if CarGo improves enough to play. Charlie Blackmon, who is 10-for-23 on the homestand, is starting in left field.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.